This document provides guidance on recommendation letters for U.S. study applications. It explains that recommendation letters are an important part of the application package and should be from people who know the applicant well, such as professors or coaches rather than family or friends. The document outlines different types of recommendation letters and tips for working with recommenders, such as discussing accomplishments and why the recommender thinks the applicant is suitable for U.S. study. It also addresses what to do if a recommender cannot write in English and provides additional resources for researching study in the U.S.

2. EducationUSA can help you every step along the way.
5 Steps to U.S. Study
1.Research Your Options
2.Finance Your Studies
3.Complete Your Application
4.Apply for Your Student Visa
5.Prepare for Your Departure

3. Every little piece counts. And every university is different.
The “Application Package” for the U.S.
• Application Fee and Form – Your answers to questions and lists.
• Statement of Purpose and other Essays
• 2-3 Recommendation Letters
• Official Academic Records/Transcripts
• Exams (GRE, GMAT) Scores sent from testing agency.
• TOEFL iBT (or IELTS) Results sent from testing agency.
• Writing Samples, Research Papers, Portfolio, Other
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Financial Aid Form and Documents as Proof
• Interview

4. Letters of
Recommendation

5. This is the one part of the
application package where you
have no direct control

6. Purpose of a Recommendation
Reflect on Accomplishments Back-up claims and certificates

7. Who to Ask?
2-5 People who know you well. Be selective.
Academic Professional Coach No Family or
Friends

8. Recommendation Letters Types
Online
1. Student provides
e-mail address
for each
recommender
2. Recommender
receives e-mail
with prompt
3. Completes letter
form online or
uploads a signed
and scanned
PDF
Typed
• Typed on school
letterhead (or form)
and signed
• In sealed envelope
with signature across
seal
• If copied, signatures
should be original
and school stamp on
all copies
• One page is sufficient

9. Recommender’s Role:
The role of the recommender is to
present a complete picture of the
candidate based on
information gathered and
development, and achievements
accomplished

10. Dealing with Recommenders

11. Things to Discuss in Your Meeting with
Recommenders:

12. Recommendation Letter Components
Date, Signature
Letterhead or Stamp
Addressed to who?
How Long and How well
You Know The Student?
Student’s Strengths:
1-Academics
2- Determination
3- Work Habits
4-Skills
Student’s Assets Out of
Classroom
Do You Recommend
Them to Study in The
US?

13. What if my recommender
cannot provide a letter in
English?
An official translation is
acceptable.
(we can offer you a list of translation offices
upon request)

14. Take your research seriously. You have many free tools to help.
Global network of centers & information on the
5 Steps of US Study
EducationUSA
AMIDEAST
Information on testing, test prep, and
fields of study.
College Board, Peterson’s & Niche
College Board/Magoosh
Fantastic tools and resources for
undergraduate study, incl. SAT & GRE
College search Engines
College Confidential/ QUORA
Student Blogs.
The Princeton REVIEW
Student Reviews.
US Department of Education/CHEA
Database of accredited American education
institutions.
Search Tools and Resources
US EMBASSY CAIRO
Information on Student Visas and list of exchange
programs.
NUMBEO, FOREIGN CREDITS,
Cost of Living comparison, GPA calculator, and more.

15. Our Slideshare Account
EducationUSAEgypt

16. Our Facebook Community
EducationUSA Egypt

17. Check our website!
EducationUSA.state.gov

19. Q&A
Ask your questions about
Recommendation Letters